As Australian activists escalate their personal attacks on Cardinal George Pell, the cardinal has called for an investigation into leaked reports that police have re-opened an investigation into old abuse charges against him.

The Herald Sun reported on February 19 that law-enforcement officials in Victoria are taking a new look at reports that the future cardinal was accused of "grooming" young men. Police spokesmen in Victoria refused to comment on the report.

Cardinal Pell released a statement called the allegations "without foundation and utterly false." His statement noted that a previous investigation into the same charges, which had cleared him of wrongdoing, has been a matter of public record for more than ten years.

The revival of these charges, the cardinal's statement said, was designed "to do maximum damage to the cardinal and the Catholic Church" as Cardinal Pell prepares to give testimony before a royal commission investigating sex-abuse complaints in Australia. His statement said that the leaking of a new police investigation was "outrageous," and demanded that government officials investigate.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

The leaking of these so called allegations by Victorian Police is a criminal offence. They have not even put the allegations to Cardinal Pell, he read about them in the media.
They relate to allegations made over a decade ago. An independent investigation was done by a retired judge that cleared Cardinal Pell at the time. We are witnessing a public lynching, a good old witch hunt - aided and abetted by currupt parts of the Victorian Police.

Stay in Touch!

Subscribe to Insights

Stay on top of the latest Catholic news and analysis from CatholicCulture.org.